Mamelodi Sundowns will be aiming to avenge their Nedbank Cup semi-final defeat against Maritzburg United tonight, but more importantly are the three points at stake, which could see them clinch the Absa Premiership title, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

Mathematically, Sundowns require four points from their final three games, but victory against Maritzburg, coupled with a favourable result from title-contenders Orlando Pirates, who play Bidvest Wits, could hand them the title.

The Team of Choice head into the encounter on the back of an excellent run in all competitions under coach Fadlu Davids, losing only once in their last eleven clashes.

Having already broken all sorts of records this season, Davids’ side occupy third place in the league standings, with 42 points amassed from their allotted 27 games.

Goals by Lebohang Maboe, Mxolisi Kunene and Fortune Makaringe saw Maritzburg make history by coming from a goal down in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals to defeat the very same Sundowns outfit to reach their first-ever cup final.

As a result, Maritzburg will no doubt head into the clash with their heads high, knowing that victory against the former Caf Champions League winners is attainable.

Wounded from their shock defeat, Sundowns will be seeking retribution against the Team of Choice in a league encounter, which bears major importance in terms of the title race.

With three games left in the campaign, Masandawana enjoy a six-point lead at the summit of the Absa Premiership standings.

Not only will victory serve as solace for being tactically outwitted by Maritzburg, but more importantly, Pitso Mosimane’s men could be crowned champions.

Gaston Sirino, who received a red card on Sunday, will be unavailable for the visitors due to suspension, while defender Anele Ngcongca is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after hobbling off with an injury in the first half of the clash against Maritzburg.

Sundowns can be buoyed by the return of influential captain Hlompho Kekana, who was unavailable for selection on the weekend due to suspension.

Mosimane took a pragmatic approach when speaking of the contest, claiming that he would be happy if his team garner a point.

‘It is a very important game, we have to do what we have to do to try and win the game,’ he is quoted as saying by Phakaaathi.

‘We might probably not win it, but get a point if you can’t win it and don’t be emotional. There are two more games after that, so you can get another six points from the rest,’ he concluded.

The two side face off tonight at the Harry Gwala Stadium with kick-off set for 7:30pm.

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